Three Bulldogs out after first day of state tournament

The Van Meter wrestling team sent three wresters to the state tournament in Des Moines but saw all three Bulldogs bow out after first day as they lost their first and second-round matches on Feb. 20.

At 106 pounds, VM’s Bailey Tuma matched up against New Hampton’s Connor Cleveland in the first round of the tournament but was pinned in just 1:03. Tuma finished his short-lived tournament run in the consolation first round where he matched up with Central Clinton’s Bryant Woodford. Tuma lost by way of a 4-2 decision.

Chase Wyant at 138 pounds, who made his second state tournament appearance also lost in the first round of the tournament. Union, La Porte City’s Max Thomsen, who entered the tournament with a 49-0 record, pinned Wyant in 1:07.

In the consolation first round, Wyant was pinned by Giblert’s Wyatt Rhoads in 2:55, ending his season.

Spencer Benton at 220 pounds was also the victim of two pins. In the first round Solon’s Lance Evans recorded a 3:46 pin over Benton.

In the consolation first round Benton was pinned in 3:11 by Ballard’s Alex Silberstein ending his season on the first day of the state tournament. Benton and Wyant are seniors this year, but Tuma is only a junior and will be back next season.